Attention all DWTS fans wait no further! We're less than a month away from getting our fix of what else? Dancin'! The stars announced set to trip the light fantastic this season are as follows.
DONNY OSMOND: The other half of the squeaky clean sibling duo is currently performing with his sister (Marie also a DWTS alumni) at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel through to 2012. Donnie's set to show us that he's more than just 'purple socks' and 'puppy love'. This 70's teen-pop idol is 'a little bit rock n' roll' so I'm sure he'll bring all that he's got to the table and then some. Hey, if all the Osmond's (and there are a whole lot of them!) combined don't all fit in the studio at the same time. I'm sure they'll be busy texting and calling in their votes when the performances are through. Flash those pearly whites! (paired up with Kym Johnson)
AARON CARTER: Teen sensation, recording artist, songwriter, producer, actor and kid brother to Nick 'Backstreet Boy' Carter, Aaron is most sure to have rhythm. I envision him to be another 'Cody Linley' and he went all the way to the finals. Such a young and disciplined talent is always welcome on the dance floor. I could just hear Len Goodman now, 'no heel leads Aaron!' (paired up with Karina Smirnoff)
TOM DELAY: A former White House majority leader turns dancer this season in hopes of gaining the majority votes from viewers and judges alike, to take this prominent Republican all the way to the finals. Who's your Daddy? (paired up with two-time Dancing champion Cheryl Burke)
MYA: It's a long way from the recording studio but like gal-pal Lil' Kim last season (and fellow Lady Marmalade alumni). Grammy Award winner, Mya is bound to turn some heads this year. If not on the dance floor then most definitely in those scantily clad costumes. Let's hope there aren't any wardrobe malfunctions here. Yikes! (paired up with Dmitry Chaplin)
DEBI MAZAR: Her stunning eyes (and NY accent) speak volumes. Literally! I didn't recognize the name but when I saw a photograph of Mazar I instantly remembered her from the classic Madonna videos 'Papa Don't Preach', 'True Blue' and 'Deeper and Deeper' from earlier on in her career. She can also be seen in the films 'Goodfellas', 'Jungle Fever' and 'The Doors' as well as her current gig on HBO's ever popular 'Entourage'. Just let those feline eyes just reel you in! Grrrrrrrr! (paired up with Maksim Chmerkovskiy)
ASHLEY HAMILTON: This talented bad boy means business (and I do mean business). He's an accomplished singer, songwriter and comedian. But the last decade those aren't the only things that were newsworthy. Aside from being the son of George Hamilton, his personal life has taken center stage as well. With the 'One Night in Paris' sex tape and his very, very brief marriage to Pamela Anderson on his resume, one can only hope he can do the mambo other than horizontally. Yikes! (paired up with Edyta Sliwinska)
CHUCK LIDDELL: The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Champion) is throwing himself into the mix this season by exchanging those heartwrenching punches and jabs for flicks and kicks. Perhaps, the Iceman might go onto surprise us all and turn out to be the UDC (Ultimate Dancing Champion) instead. Bring it on! (paired up with Anna Trebunskaya)
NATALIE COUGHLIN: The Olympic swimmer with six gold medals to her name in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic games wants to add the prestigious mirror ball trophy to her collection. She's traded in her swim suit for a pair of pumps and partner. All that glitters is really gold! (paired up with Alec Mazo)
MARK DACASCOS: They call him the 'Chairman'. Yes, this martial arts expert and current host of the Food Network's, 'Iron Chef America' is planning to inflict some serious kung-fu moves (in a gracefully-funky sort of way that is!) on the ballroom floor. So opponents look out! (paired up with Lacey Schwimmer)
MACEY GREY: The five-time Grammy award winner known for her raspy-voice is an R&B singer, turned actress and is planning on taking the competition by storm. Add dancing to her already long list of accomplishments and she's on her way to kick even more Hollywood butt! Can you say twinkle-toes? (paired up with Jonathan Roberts)
MELISSA JOAN HART: Best known for the lead role in the popular teen show 'Sabrina, the Teenage Witch' in the 90's and gone on to star in various shows and movies. Hart (now a mother of two, herself) doesn't need magic to take the title of champ. She's already got it in the bag! (paired up with Mark Ballas)
KATHY IRELAND: Sports Illustrated swimwear model, actress and yummy mummy is leaving the skimpy bikini at behind for this competition. Although I'm sure her sexy costumes will be pin-up worthy anyway. Ireland's going to cha-cha her way into the finals and then grace the cover of DWTS magazine holding what else? But the mirror ball trophy of course! So take that! (paired up with Tony Dovolani)
MICHAEL IRVIN: This former three-time Superbowl champion for the Dallas Cowboys turned ESPN broadcaster, turned radio show host is shedding his studio headset for the chance to shake his bootay in front of millions of female viewers. And yes, the ladies have spoken. Like Nike...Just do it! (paired up with Anna Demidova)
KELLY OSBOURNE: Reality show actress, artist and daughter to the 'Prince of Darkness', Ozzy Osbourne, Kelly is the girl to beat (or beat you up!). But seriously, she'll be interesting to watch and coming from an entertainment family she's sure to put a serious dent in the competition. Dancers beware! (paired up with Louis van Amstel)
LOUIE VITO: This Pro-snowboarder placing fifth in the Men's Superpipe competition in the 2006 Winter X Games is giving up snow and sub-zero temperatures for air conditioned comfort and hardwood floors for these games. He's also an Olympic hopeful for 2010. I smell a product endorsement for satin shirts coming on. Yo dude! (paired up with Chelsie Hightower)
JOANNA KRUPA: This Polish-American model turned actress is known for her appearances in men's magazines like Maxim, Stuff and FHM in the mid-2000's. A mind is terrible thing to waste but if she looks great doing the tango it can only better her chances at leaving her competitors in the dust. Ole! (paired up with Derek Hough)
There you have it folks! All 16 competitors ready to show you (and the world) what they've got. So tune in to hear Bruno Tonioli flip over his score palette and famously yell, '10!' All the action returns for its 9th season Monday September 21 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Read more on this article...
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
"LET'S GO TO THE EX...AGAIN!"
An endless supply of thrill rides, laughter, and candied apples have a way of instantly turning any grown up into a big kid for a day. For me it was carnival games that got me every time. I'd look up at all those stuffed animals hanging on display, and imagine that each of them had a dream of going home with a new owner at the end of the day (namely myself). Celebrating its 131st Anniversary this year, the fair gives children of all ages wonderful memories they can cherish a lifetime.Yes folks, the end of summer is fast approaching and what better way to come to a close than the 'CNE (Canadian National Exhibition)'.
Once you enter the Princess Gates you've hit a magical world pleasing to all the senses. The sights, sounds and definitely the aromas, all of which are reminiscent of a county fair but on a much larger and much more lavish level will have you hooked instantly. And believe me, I have this on good authority.
When I close my eyes I can smell freshly spun cotton candy, hot out of the fryer corn dogs, and the famous Tiny Tom donuts (my personal guilty pleasure!) that have my taste buds craving these tasty treats time and time again. And that's just for starters, the Food Pavilion always brings out a plethora of delicious international cuisine offering a little taste of heaven (on one plate or two or depending how much you can carry!) of our city's never ending cultural mosaic of traditional dishes.
But food and games aren't the only things that draw me back every summer. Rides are a huge attraction and rightfully so since I've always thought the midway has always had an arie of intrigue and fascination connected to it with the bright lights flickering at dusk as they appear to be dancing the two-step. There's a chill in the air as the sky turns into a deep shade of blue and night descends on the city. My surroundings become increasingly alive with activity even more so than a few hours ago.
Amusement ride enthusiasts scream in delight as they turn, twist, flip and roll upside down on the roller coaster, scared silly in the haunted house or race through the Polar Express at lightening speed. Music blares through the speakers so loud I feel the beat pounding through my chest non-stop. Then the noise of bells indicating the ride is over sounds and while people climb out of their seats, each face tells a story of what they've just experienced. It all adds to the excitement that the Ex is commonly known for and this year is no exception.
The classic oldies are back (like the Bandshell, Garden Show, Horse show, exhibits, Superdogs, casino, the Canadian International Air Show and more) mixed with new and exciting attractions (CNE Cup International Soccer Match, Movie Magic: Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show, Nightime Light Show, Cruise Nationals Classic Car Show and more) designed to entertain the whole family. Even former President Bill Clinton is set to speak at BMO Field on August 29th. You see there's something for everyone!
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except Labour Day) the Ex runs from August 21-September 7, so you have plenty of time to check it out. Then again with all these great things to experience why go just once? Your adventure awaits you! Let's go to the Ex!
http://www.theex.com/ Read more on this article...
Once you enter the Princess Gates you've hit a magical world pleasing to all the senses. The sights, sounds and definitely the aromas, all of which are reminiscent of a county fair but on a much larger and much more lavish level will have you hooked instantly. And believe me, I have this on good authority.
When I close my eyes I can smell freshly spun cotton candy, hot out of the fryer corn dogs, and the famous Tiny Tom donuts (my personal guilty pleasure!) that have my taste buds craving these tasty treats time and time again. And that's just for starters, the Food Pavilion always brings out a plethora of delicious international cuisine offering a little taste of heaven (on one plate or two or depending how much you can carry!) of our city's never ending cultural mosaic of traditional dishes.
But food and games aren't the only things that draw me back every summer. Rides are a huge attraction and rightfully so since I've always thought the midway has always had an arie of intrigue and fascination connected to it with the bright lights flickering at dusk as they appear to be dancing the two-step. There's a chill in the air as the sky turns into a deep shade of blue and night descends on the city. My surroundings become increasingly alive with activity even more so than a few hours ago.
Amusement ride enthusiasts scream in delight as they turn, twist, flip and roll upside down on the roller coaster, scared silly in the haunted house or race through the Polar Express at lightening speed. Music blares through the speakers so loud I feel the beat pounding through my chest non-stop. Then the noise of bells indicating the ride is over sounds and while people climb out of their seats, each face tells a story of what they've just experienced. It all adds to the excitement that the Ex is commonly known for and this year is no exception.
The classic oldies are back (like the Bandshell, Garden Show, Horse show, exhibits, Superdogs, casino, the Canadian International Air Show and more) mixed with new and exciting attractions (CNE Cup International Soccer Match, Movie Magic: Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show, Nightime Light Show, Cruise Nationals Classic Car Show and more) designed to entertain the whole family. Even former President Bill Clinton is set to speak at BMO Field on August 29th. You see there's something for everyone!
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (except Labour Day) the Ex runs from August 21-September 7, so you have plenty of time to check it out. Then again with all these great things to experience why go just once? Your adventure awaits you! Let's go to the Ex!
http://www.theex.com/ Read more on this article...
Labels:
THE DAILY GRIND
Thursday, August 20, 2009
"WASP CURLING: A WHACK SMACKIN' HECK OF A TIME!"
This is gives an entirely new meaning to the phrase, 'walk softly and carry a big stick'. In slow motion (and to the theme of 'Chariots of Fire' playing in my head) I raise the straw broom to the heavens and give the red bricks an earth-shattering whack taking my pesky unsuspecting opponents by surprise. Powerful blow after powerful blow is executed with the opposition falling one by one on each step below.
A colourful display of black and yellow buzzing stripes graces the pale blue painted concrete with the odd one still desperately hanging on to what little life they have left. Dazed and confused (literally!) and then sprayed with Raid (cause I needed to add more insult to injury right?), they are whacked once again to ensure they've met an untimely demise. I feel like the Tony Soprano of pest control sans Paulie Walnuts and Christopher Moltisanti to do my bidding. Ahhh...It truly is a thing of beauty for any homeowner who's had to contend with these unwanted house guests this summer. This way you can kick back, have a cold espresso and just fuggetaboutit. Bada-Bing!
You see, it's simple really. With the explosion of these stinging nuisances in Toronto (courtesy of a mild winter and the garbage strike) I've taken it upon myself to do something one would normally leave to the professionals. I've decided to rid them all by myself. And so it is with great pride that I have invented a new sport along the way. It's a combination of tennis, baseball, and curling all wrapped into one. Hence the name so appropriately fitting - 'Wasp Curling'. This catchy name was given by my neighbour Mario who watched in awe as myself and my significant other double-teamed (the two brooms for effectiveness and better results) to excel in this slap-happy event taking place right on my front porch.
Those busy buzzing beavers flying back and forth under a slight crack in my awning is reminiscent of a Tim Horton's drive-thru sans the blueberry bloom donut and regular double-double. It's like the DVP at rush hour but all the time. With such heavy traffic it's surprising that they don't have a mid-air collision and bugger off on their own. But why make life so easy for us humans eh?
This would make a great Olympic sport (with the smell of victory - me - and the agony of defeat - them) especially after the season we've been having (Helloooo Vancouver 2010!). This would require minimal equipment that can be found right in your very own home. Here's what you will need. A good straw broom (with strong bristles able to withstand a good lickin'), a sturdy ladder (depending on the whereabouts of their 'cone-condo' location), Raid (bug killer), a steady hand, luck, precision, and finally, an enormous amount of patience. Because even after all that you may have to repeat this a few times before you've completely rid your home of them.
Then there are rules that we (as humans) must comply with in order to save ourselves from their dreaded wrath. Yup, you guessed it the 'sting'. Now with that being said, I urge you to participate in this sport with extreme caution. Keep in mind your opponents are in fighting mode (yup, the gloves are off, even though they're tiny) and in their eyes you are now a large red bulls eye. We don't need nor want the battle scars to prove we've won the war especially if they require a trip to the ER. Ouch! Please try to avoid this at all costs. And remember once you start the game there's no way of knowing the outcome. There will be causalities but if the buzzing continues to persist, an extra slap or two of the broom should take care of that for you.
If even after all that the problem continues to persist, just know you've tried your best and it's time to call in the big guns. That's right, the Orkin Man's number is right by the phone in the hall. But we'll cross that bridge when (or if) we come to it. Until then...Go for the gold! But have an extra can of Raid handy just in case. Yikes! Read more on this article...
A colourful display of black and yellow buzzing stripes graces the pale blue painted concrete with the odd one still desperately hanging on to what little life they have left. Dazed and confused (literally!) and then sprayed with Raid (cause I needed to add more insult to injury right?), they are whacked once again to ensure they've met an untimely demise. I feel like the Tony Soprano of pest control sans Paulie Walnuts and Christopher Moltisanti to do my bidding. Ahhh...It truly is a thing of beauty for any homeowner who's had to contend with these unwanted house guests this summer. This way you can kick back, have a cold espresso and just fuggetaboutit. Bada-Bing!
You see, it's simple really. With the explosion of these stinging nuisances in Toronto (courtesy of a mild winter and the garbage strike) I've taken it upon myself to do something one would normally leave to the professionals. I've decided to rid them all by myself. And so it is with great pride that I have invented a new sport along the way. It's a combination of tennis, baseball, and curling all wrapped into one. Hence the name so appropriately fitting - 'Wasp Curling'. This catchy name was given by my neighbour Mario who watched in awe as myself and my significant other double-teamed (the two brooms for effectiveness and better results) to excel in this slap-happy event taking place right on my front porch.
Those busy buzzing beavers flying back and forth under a slight crack in my awning is reminiscent of a Tim Horton's drive-thru sans the blueberry bloom donut and regular double-double. It's like the DVP at rush hour but all the time. With such heavy traffic it's surprising that they don't have a mid-air collision and bugger off on their own. But why make life so easy for us humans eh?
This would make a great Olympic sport (with the smell of victory - me - and the agony of defeat - them) especially after the season we've been having (Helloooo Vancouver 2010!). This would require minimal equipment that can be found right in your very own home. Here's what you will need. A good straw broom (with strong bristles able to withstand a good lickin'), a sturdy ladder (depending on the whereabouts of their 'cone-condo' location), Raid (bug killer), a steady hand, luck, precision, and finally, an enormous amount of patience. Because even after all that you may have to repeat this a few times before you've completely rid your home of them.
Then there are rules that we (as humans) must comply with in order to save ourselves from their dreaded wrath. Yup, you guessed it the 'sting'. Now with that being said, I urge you to participate in this sport with extreme caution. Keep in mind your opponents are in fighting mode (yup, the gloves are off, even though they're tiny) and in their eyes you are now a large red bulls eye. We don't need nor want the battle scars to prove we've won the war especially if they require a trip to the ER. Ouch! Please try to avoid this at all costs. And remember once you start the game there's no way of knowing the outcome. There will be causalities but if the buzzing continues to persist, an extra slap or two of the broom should take care of that for you.
If even after all that the problem continues to persist, just know you've tried your best and it's time to call in the big guns. That's right, the Orkin Man's number is right by the phone in the hall. But we'll cross that bridge when (or if) we come to it. Until then...Go for the gold! But have an extra can of Raid handy just in case. Yikes! Read more on this article...
Labels:
THE DAILY GRIND MEETS HOME GROAN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)

